We are studying the Five Central Points of the Gospel that have been immortalised in the word TULIP. Each letter of that word is the initial letter of the 5 statements of the doctrines set forth in the Bible. Today we come to the fourth letter, I. It stands for IRRESISTIBLE GRACE.

This refers to the truth that those God has set His love upon WILL BE DRAWN IRRESISTIBLY TO HIM BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

The Saviour stated it like this: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” John 6:37.

1. NOTICE THAT THIS VERSE SAYS THAT ONLY THOSE GIVEN TO CHRIST BY THE FATHER WILL COME TO HIM.

Here we are again with the ‘special people’! Those whose names are written in the book of life from the foundation of the world. The Saviour mentions the ‘giving’ of a people to Him in John 10. See verse 28-29. Also 17:2, 6, 9, 11, 24. Being given to Christ then they will be drawn to Him to be received by Him, John 6:37.

2. THIS DRAWING TO CHRIST OF THOSE GIVEN HIM BY THE FATHER IS WROUGHT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Here is how the Shorter catechism puts it.

Q31: What is effectual calling? A: Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Here are four things:

A. The Holy Spirit convinces us of our sin and misery. Man cannot see or understand his dreadful sinfulness and the misery it brings. He is blind and ignorant and unfeeling! Ephesians 34:18-19.

B. He enlightens our minds. See Acts 26:18.

C. He renews our will. That is what makes us alive spiritually. Our hearts are turned from ‘Stone’ to tender ‘flesh’, Ezekiel 36:26.

D. The Holy Spirit enables and persuades us to receive Christ as He is offered in the gospel. See Acts 16:14 where this takes place.

3. THUS WE SEE THAT THERE CAN BE NO UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE OUTWORKING OF GOD’S PURPOSE IN CHRIST FOR HIS ELECT PEOPLE.

Note the wording of the verse we quoted at the beginning of our study. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

1. ALL. None shall be lost — John 10:28. 2. SHALL — No doubts about the matter. 3. NO WISE CAST OUT — The sinner who has been awakened and drawn by faith to Christ will be welcomed.